Beyond baby’s first birthday: What’s in store?

First tantrums: Toddlerhood brings big emotions – and sometimes, big meltdowns. Temper tantrums usually start at around 18 months and are very common, as are hitting and biting.

At this age, children are eager to express themselves, but their language skills haven't quite caught up with their big emotions. They feel frustrated, and the frustration comes out as a tantrum. These can be challenging, but they're also opportunities for learning and growth (for both you and your child). 

First steps – and falls: Hold on tight. Those wobbly first steps are a major milestone, followed by lots of practice (and a few tumbles) as your little one learns to walk independently. By now, baby should be pretty good at cruising, the exciting stage between crawling and walking independently.  While some babies can even walk at 12 months, the average age for taking first steps is around 14 months.  

First solids: Mealtimes are about to get a whole lot messier. If you haven't already, it's time to ditch the purées and let your little one dive into the wonderful world of finger foods. Think smashed bananas, self-fed cereal and all the deliciousness they can grab with their tiny hands. 

You can also now officially swap out formula for cow’s milk once your little one turns one. Just remember when introducing any new food – especially those with potential allergens like milk – start slow and keep an eye out for any tummy troubles, vomiting or rashes. If anything seems off, a quick chat with your doctor is always a good idea. But most importantly, get ready for some fun mealtimes (and maybe a few extra loads of laundry). 

Remember, every child develops at their own pace, so don't worry if your little one doesn't hit all these milestones right away. Parenting is all about celebrating each unique step along the way.